Jazz, little bit of rock, and some country
DeVore Orangutan O/96
The original Orangutan thread appears to have been deleted, so I'll re-start it. Did anyone hear them at In Living Stereo earlier this month? Any initial thoughts or comparisons you can offer? I'm anxious to hear them myself, but don't plan on being in the NYC area anytime soon...
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I think you'll find your musical tastes will help dictate which amp is best. If you like big scale music (stadium rock/big band jazz, etc), I'd follow your instincts and be cautious. Big music loves power -and although John's products do amazing things with lower power amps (for smaller scale music), I've learned they also tend to respond extremely well with more (for big scale music). I don't think the Orangutans will be an exception. Not to say you need a 100W amp, but I don't know if a Montille would work for you. I'd try before you commit. PS -the Orangutans take forever to break in -make sure you demo a pair that's well broken in. It probably explains why we haven't heard more rave reviews -it'll probably be another month or two before we do. |
Oldgrey, I think you are right, that I should go with my gut on what would work best. My Klipsch will work with just about any power level, but if I do change then I would hate to be lacking in power, even if it only for the occasional big song. The problem with the Orangutans is where do you audition them? I don't want to drive 800 miles to San Fran to hear them. I have a Devore dealer within 5 miles of my home, but he is not allowed to sell them. Seems like a bit of a good old boys club to me. Even my other choice, Tannoy Prestige line, are almost impossible to audition. My LaScallas are incredible. I would hate to sell them and spend 12K on something else that might not be as good. |
Devore fidelity is a pretty small company. John seems to do everything from design, production, to marketing and customer support. He likely has limited resources to produce enough o96's to distribute them to all the dealers. They appear to be custom built for each customer, with limited inventory, whereas his Gibson series are widely distributed. |
Doctorb: I also own the O96/HB. I have found them to be great, but yes they can be a bit overwhelming in the bass end. I have about 200 hours on mine. Sometimes its not the amount but the slight bass "flabiness" to them. They do like space around them and nothing in-between. Mine are about 8 feet apart, 3 feet both back and sides and nothing in-between. |
Mine are on a 12+ foot wall. I have them 2.5 ft. from the side walls, so about 7+ ft apart. However, my room is 23+ ft long, so they fire down that wall. I do have them roughly 5ft. out from the rear wall. If you have the option of pulling them out from the rear wall a bit, it may help. I have 150-200 hrs on mine, and I do not have what I consider too much bass. The bass in my room sounds fleshed out, but not too much. |
Let's see if this works for allowing a link: Getting lost in Analogue - A rumble in the jungle (a review of Devore Fidelity's Orangutan.) They're spectacular! |
Here's an alternative blog entry. I'm trying both blogger and Wordpress out, and may ultimately chose one over the other. In any event, here's the Wordpress version. And for now I'll keep them updated as best as I can. A Rumble in the Jungle; Orangutan style |
Hello Franklinlg. I am always interested in seeing what is so damn great about the hot 'loudspeakers'. I have to say, your website addresses my issues immediately. I have not heard these DeVores. I would have to fly to SF CA to hear them, and such is high end audio. But thanks for the great review and site. |
Hello again. Come on Guys. What the hell? I know that we all love Mystery and Mayhem, and we all need that trail to follow to keep our interest. I would love to hear this next up and comer, but really. You are following the Stereophile Model. Please, just stop it. Take Stereophile as antithetical, that is to say they just ain't the one. They are as much truth as a drug dealer is. I am not trying to spawn a conversation, most truly not. There are more speaker producers than you can imagine. Please break the Stereophile mold. You should know, those are most certainly bought and paid for. Grow up, and spend your money wisely. There is great competition out there for your dollars if you are willing to take a look. Hey, I am just saying. |
Now I just read Franks page. It was very good, and honest. The big truth that stands out is how many of the multitude of components that any of us has a hand in listening to. Frank admits to having heard very few. I admire his honesty, but please, oh please. If you heard the DeVore speakers when you had only heard a handful, and for a decent amount of time. I mean living with them, there is no way in hell you have any amount of aural time with them. Hence, we have 3 million loudspeaker producers. I am just so amazed that there are so many out there. I have said my piece for now. Thanks, but please curb your enthusiasm. Cool right now doesn't mean a thing. |
FWIW, everyone I've updated this review with a few photos. Getting lost in analogue Dalecrommie, As a side note, I'm not sure what your 2 additional posts here are referring to, or if they're intended to be a constructive criticism of my post. In any event, I've had these speakers for almost 3 months, and I've run them through everything imaginable. I do think they're great, and I stand by my recommendation for people to check them out. Another I'd serious look at is the Tannoy Canterbury. Still, at this level I think someone looking should consider them. But it's also worth noting that DeVore designed these speakers to work with high impedance, low wattage amps. The Os are set for 10 Ohms. So they're not ideal for everyone's system. Regardless, happy musical listening to one and all! |
Dalercrommie and All, There are other dealers for Devore products. You can find them here: DeVore Fidelity Dealers I just ended up working with Matt because I bought Leben and Shindo products. |
I have to echo Jeff's comments. I have been listening to a lot of different speakers (and amps) this year in the search for a combo that works well for me. I am impressed with the O96's, especially with quality valve amps. Yesterday I heard them driven by an Almarro 318B SE Integrated amp, playing Pink Floyd. A lovely, involving, spacious, punchy sound. I listened for ages! I am seriously considering them. |
Ciro71- I have mine in a 23 ft X 12ft room. They are on the SHORT wall. They are about 2.5 ft from the side wall, and thus 7ft apart. They are pulled out 4.5-5.0 ft from the rear wall behind them. Shoot your dealer or John an e-mail. John is busy, but he will respond to you. Of course, as you can hear, he is busy for good reason. Nice setup you have. Cheers, and enjoy! |
Ciro71- Was playing with placement last night, and wanted to give you a more accurate placement suggestion. I am set up very close to the owners manual guidelines. My room is 148" wide. The O/96's are on that wall. They are 31" from the side walls, and thus 86" (7+ ft) apart. As far as length goes, I am pretty spot on to the manual. My long wall is 279". I am 1/5th (56") out from the rear wall. My seating position is 1/3 (93") from the wall BEHIND the listener. I can't tell you for sure on toe in, but I do like a slight toe in. I would just experiment as per the owners manual there. I always mark my previous spot with blue tape though. I tend not to fiddle alot with placement in general. Certainly not to the extent I did with previous speakers. Hope this helps ! |